LIZ YORK - OWNER

Liz started York Bark and Play in November of 2011. She needed a job that her dog, Moe, could go to work with her due to his separation anxiety. After working at multiple horse barns and another dog daycare, she decided to take the plunge and open her own place. Her love for her dog, and dogs in general, has made York Bark and Play what it is today.

Vanessa Sharp - Manager

Vanessa started working at York Bark and Play in April 2015 and began managing in March 2016. She attended UMO and graduated with a BS in Wildlife Ecology in 2008. While attending school Vanessa worked seasonally at York's Wild Kingdom and then became a full time senior keeper upon graduation continuing to work there over 6 years. She decided to change gears and focus on domestic animal care choosing to apply her animal care experience at several horse stables and dog daycares. During her time off she enjoys traveling abroad with her husband and enjoying the outdoors with her dogs Buck and Kira.

Kaitlyn Hankins - assistant manager

Kaitlyn has worked with dogs in multiple different settings since 2012 and started at York Bark and Play in Summer 2017. She has experience with pet sitting, dog daycare, and managing at a large country dog camp. She has attended many seminars, training workshops, and has learned from some great trainers. Currently she has three dogs of her own- Piper, Ziggy, and Banjo. Her goal is to pursue a future career of working large field socialization. She also founded and manages a dog rescue, The Grateful Dog Animal Rescue, which works with southern rescues to save dogs from euthanasia and place them in loving and safe forever homes.

karla briggs - office and kennel staff

Karla grew up in New Haven, CT and has been working with, rescuing, and fostering dogs since she was 12 years old. She began working in dog daycares in 2013 in CT and moved to Maine in 2015 when she began working at York Bark and Play. She has two dogs Kalli, a shepherd mix, and Denali, a pitbull mix, both of whom are AKC good citizens. Her cat Dave rounds out the bunch. Karla is currently enrolled at Animal Behavior College to become a certified dog trainer which she hopes to use along with canine massage therapy when she reaches her goal of opening her own business specializing in training, massage, and holistic pet care.

Becca dugas - Office and kennel staff

Becca grew up in New Hampshire with multiple cats, dogs, and an aunt with horses and donkeys. She has always loved working with animals and continues to enjoy doing so here. She went to Johnson & Wales University for Food Service and Business. One of her future goals is to open a dog friendly B&B along the coast of Maine. The ocean, the mountains, adventure, and animals are the basis for her lifestyle and she can't wait to see where life takes her.

Lindsay mcLean -Office and kennel staff

Lindsay grew up in Maine with a variety of family pets. She grew up with her family dog Max, and now has four other family dogs, Dallas, Duke, Bella, and Sasha. She has worked with horses for 6 years and owned a horse as well. She got to touch on veterinary medicine while in college and started working at York Bark and Pay in April 2017. She has learned many different approaches to handling dogs and has loved every minute of it. Her goal is to become proficient in obedience training while working with dogs.

Amelia Jenks - office and Kennel Staff

Amelia grew up in upstate New York. Now she is finishing up her Animal Science Degree at the University of New Hampshire. She has grown up with a love for animals and knew the she wanted to have a career with them. She has one cat back home who has been a big part of her life and has given her a great love for cats. Her final goal is to keep working with small animals in daycare, while becoming a certified groomer.

Natasha Adams - kennel staff

Natasha has been an animal lover for her entire life, owning many different types of animals. Dogs have always been her favorite and currently she owns two Blue Heelers of her own, Kayda and Bose. Other than playing with dogs, she spends her free time teaching dance at her own dance studio. She is currently studying Medical Biology, with a minor in Secondary Education. Her goal is to spend a large majority of her life taking care of and playing with dogs.

Kim Melo - Kennel staff

Kim graduated high school in June of 2017 and is currently pursuing nursing in college. She started working at York Bark and Play at the start of Summer in 2016. She owns two dogs, Cody and Bella, and two cats, Mia and Astro. She has been around many other dogs and puppies throughout her life as well. While working here she has learned to read body language and use those skills to keep her playgroup fun and safe!

Chrissy Ellis - Kennel Staff

Chrissy grew up in Maine, living with both cats and dogs. She owns an Old English Sheepdog, Teddy, and a Yorkshire Terrier, Charlie. She started working at York Bark and Play in May of 2017. Her knowledge of dogs and their behavior has grown greatly and she absolutely loves learning more as her time here goes on. She continues to put her new learned skills to use at home, as she is currently training her dog Teddy to be a therapy dog and a Canine Good Citizen.

Casey Fappiano- Kennel Staff

Casey was born and raised in Florida where her love for animals began. Growing up she had animals of all kinds; everything from dogs and cats to miniature ponies. Her love for animals drove her to attend the University of West Florida where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Marine Biology. After completing her degree, Casey and her husband, her dog Hydra, and cat Finley moved from Florida to Maine so her husband could attend UNE College of Medicine. Casey knew she had to keep following her passion working with animals, so she joined our team in August 2017!

Amanda hamilton - Summer office and kennel staff

Amanda was born and raised in New Hampshire and Maine with many different pets. Currently she has a Boxer named Taz. She has worked at York Bark and Play since May of 2014. During that time, she has expanded her knowledge of dog behavior, training techniques, and has become certified in Dog and Cat CPR. She graduated high school, joined the United States Army, and started attending college at the University of Rhode Island with a Pre-Med track. While in college, she works for us on her time home from school. Her goal is to continue working with dogs through volunteering her time in rescues and shelters.

Jenna Dailey - summer Office and Kennel Staff

Jenna grew up in Maine with black labs throughout her childhood. She started working at York Bark and Play in January of 2016. She’s currently studying Equine Business and Management at Cazenovia College. While in college, she works for us on her time home from school. Her passion is for horses and she has been riding since she was 10 years old. Currently she has three sweet pups of her own- Zeke, Lucy and Cali. Her goal is to enhance her experience with dog behavior and training.